A 15-year-old boy who was shot in the back in a case of mistaken identity in Birmingham still has the bullet lodged in his body and faces ongoing difficulties with walking. The incident occurred on August 2 last year at around 10pm in George Street Park, Balsall Heath, where the teenager was targeted without warning.
The attack shattered bones in his spine and caused a wound to his lung. The bullet remains inside his body, causing persistent pain, mobility issues, and sleep problems. The victim is now afraid to leave his home, and his preparation for GCSE exams has been severely disrupted.
Gunman sentenced to 16 years
The shooter, Lamar Anderson, 22, of Heeley Road, Selly Oak, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on May 1 after pleading guilty to affray, wounding with intent, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He received a 16-year prison sentence with an extended three-year licence period.
Anderson had mistaken the teenager for someone else following a fight outside Amex Wines nearby about 30 minutes earlier. He had gone out with an associate, armed with a gun, seeking revenge.
Judge's remarks and defence
Judge Heidi Kubik KC stated: "Any penetrating chest injury can result in death. It was a matter of mere chance the physical impact was not more serious."
Anderson had no previous criminal record. His barrister, Jasvir Mann, told the court that Anderson had written a letter of apology to the boy and his family. Mann said: "The shooting which occurred was spontaneous and arose from mistaken identity in the heat of the moment. He was in genuine shock and was remorseful when the victim, as he was to subsequently learn, was a 15-year-old boy. It was a catastrophic personal mistake."
The defence also highlighted that Anderson suffered from instability and abuse during his childhood, leading to a lack of maturity, poor conflict resolution, poor decision-making, and susceptibility to impulsivity.
